Oregon State University President Paul G. Risser, 1996.
Shown here (middle figure) at a Triad Club meeting with University Honors
College Director Jon Hendricks, Risser assumed the presidency of OSU in January
1996 after serving three years as President of Miami University in Ohio. In addition
to his work in university administration, Risser also taught university level botany
before coming to OSU. As President, Risser has emphasized the need for increased
marketing and student recruitment and retention at OSU.
[OSU Archives: P 98:1748]

Scope and Content Note

The records of the President's Office reflect the administration of the
university and includes the documentation of policy formulation,
publication of statistical information, and review of legal issues.

Organized into 17 subgroups, primarily by presidential
administration. See subgroup and series outline.
Subgroups 1-5 exist in both paper and microfilm formats. Most records for
subgroups 6-11 are on microfilm; a few are in paper format.
Subgroup 11 consists of records of both the university president
and the dean of administration. Considerable duplication exists
among the 4 additions that comprise this subgroup. Subgroups 13-17
are paper records only.

The President's Office records reflect the centralized nature of
the university's administration that existed into the early 1970s
(MacVicar administration). Most academic programs, research
centers, and administrative and student support offices sent
copies of substantive correspondence, reports, meeting minutes,
publications, and other items to the President's Office.
Consequently, nearly all university activities are documented to
some extent by this record group.

President MacVicar began decentralization of the top administration of the
university by adding a number of vice- presidents; separate record groups exist
for those offices. The records beginning with his administration reflect the
functions of the President's Office and the activities of the president, especially
policies and procedures implemented and issues addressed by the president.

The president is the chief executive officer of the university.
From 1868 to 1929 the president reported to the college's Board
of Trustees/Regents. Since the creation of the Oregon University
System (formerly the Oregon State
System of Higher Education) in 1929, the president has reported to the
System's chancellor.